Recently it has become incredibly unfashionable to be a career politician in the vein of David Cameron, or Ed Miliband. People like a senator or an MP to have experience in the ‘real world’ and many politicians plied their trade in the world of business before moving into politics. Here are 5 politicians who had successful careers in business before committing themselves to public service.
VINCE CABLE MP
The Business Secretary has a PhD in economics and was the chief economist for Shell before becoming a Liberal Democrat MP in 1997. He is the Member of Parliament for Twickenham.
HERMAN CAIN
The 2012 U.S. Republican Party presidential nominee had a long career working for fast food restaurant franchises before turning his attention to politics. The former CEO of Godfather’s Pizza failed in his attempt to become the Republican presidential candidate.
ALAN DUNCAN MP
The former Shadow Secretary of State for Transport and current MP for Rutland and Melton worked as an advisor to foreign governments concerning oil and its shipping and refining before being elected to parliament in 1992.
SENATOR KIRSTEN GILLIBRAND
The junior United States Senator from New York is a former business lawyer and is tipped for bigger things. Liberal, but restrained, the Democrat is expected to be promoted if the Democrats put in a strong showing at the next election.
MICHAEL FABRICANT MP
The MP for Lichfield often courts controversy but is one of the few recognisable Members of Parliament to have actually had a successful career outside of politics. He was a director of the International Broadcasting Electronics and Investment Group until 1991.
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